Modular keyboard system

Abstract

A modular keyboard system includes a first module having a left end and a right end, and a second module configured to be coupled rigidly to at least one of the left and right ends of the first module.

1 . A modular keyboard system, comprising: 
 a keyboard module having a left end and a right end; and    a detachable module configured to be coupled rigidly to at least one of the left and right ends of the keyboard module.    
   
   
       2 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the keyboard module comprises a first coupling feature at its left end or its right end; and    the detachable module comprises a left end and a right end, and a second coupling feature at its left end or its right end.    
   
   
       3 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 one of the first and second coupling features comprises a boss having a head and a neck; and    the other of the first and second coupling features comprises a void for receiving the head of the boss and a protrusion for engaging the neck of the boss.    
   
   
       4 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 2:   further comprising a first length from a front to a back of the keyboard module and a second length from a front to a back of the detachable module; and wherein:    the first coupling feature extends along substantially the entire first length, and the second coupling feature extends along substantially the entire second length.    
   
   
       5 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 the keyboard module comprises the first coupling feature at both its left and its right ends; and    the detachable module comprises the second coupling feature at both its left and its right ends.    
   
   
       6 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 3 , wherein: 
 the second coupling feature is operable to deform elastically as the protrusion passes over the boss during engagement and disengagement of the detachable module with the keyboard module.    
   
   
       7 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 6 , wherein: 
 the second coupling feature comprises molded plastic.    
   
   
       8 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 6 , wherein: 
 at least one of the boss and the protrusion comprises a beveled or rounded surface to facilitate deformation of the second coupling feature during engagement and disengagement of the detachable module with the keyboard module.    
   
   
       9 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the detachable module comprises a numeric keypad.    
   
   
       10 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the detachable module comprises a smart card reader.    
   
   
       11 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the detachable module comprises a docking station.    
   
   
       12 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the detachable module comprises a biometric reader.    
   
   
       13 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the detachable module comprises a data communications transceiver.    
   
   
       14 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the keyboard module comprises alphanumeric and punctuation keys.    
   
   
       15 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the keyboard module and detachable module are configured to be electrically coupled to one another by a cable.    
   
   
       16 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the keyboard module and detachable module are configured for wireless communication with one another.    
   
   
       17 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 at least one of the keyboard module and the detachable module is configured to be electrically coupled to a main unit of a computer by a cable.    
   
   
       18 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 at least one of the keyboard module and the detachable module is configured for wireless communication with a main unit of a computer.    
   
   
       19 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the keyboard module and detachable module comprises: 
 a recess for receiving and substantially securing a portion of the cable.    
   
   
       20 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the keyboard module and detachable module comprises: 
 a first connector component operable to mate with a second connector component on the cable.    
   
   
       21 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 15 , wherein the cable comprises an RJ-11 connector.  
   
   
       22 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 15 , wherein the cable comprises an RJ-45 connector.  
   
   
       23 . The modular keyboard system of  claim 15 , wherein the cable comprises a USB connector.  
   
   
       24 . A modular keyboard system, comprising: 
 a first module having a left end and a right end;    a second module; and    means for rigidly coupling the second module either to the left end or to the right end of the first module;    wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises a field of user-input keys.    
   
   
       25 . A computer system, comprising: 
 a main unit;    a display;    a mouse; and    a modular keyboard system, the modular keyboard system comprising: 
 a first module having a left end and a right end; and  
 a second module configured to be coupled rigidly either to the left end or to the right end of the first module;  
   wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises a field of user-input keys.    
   
   
       26 . The computer system of  claim 25 , wherein: 
 at least one of the first and second modules is configured to be electrically coupled to the main unit by a cable.    
   
   
       27 . The computer system of  claim 25 , wherein: 
 at least one of the first and second modules is configured for wireless data communication with the main unit.    
   
   
       28 . The computer system of  claim 25 , wherein: 
 the first and second modules are configured to be electrically coupled to one another by a cable.    
   
   
       29 . The computer system of  claim 25 , wherein: 
 the first and second modules are configured for wireless data communication with one another.